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The Rugby Pod

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
The Rugby Pod with Big Jim Hamilton, Andy Goode, Dan Biggar, Producer Rob and weekly guests is the most listened to Rugby podcast in the world. We cover all the latest news, rumours insight and stories, but with plenty of humour, opinions and the best interviews from the game, including current and former internationals. Follow us on social media and send us in your questions to chat through each week.
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Episodes

#9 Scotland Heartbreak, Boks School France, England’s 10 & Jimbo’s Comeback

The Pod is back with Goodey and Jim fresh (and a bit bruised) from the 745 charity game - where Jim “put the fear of God” into a few league legends. The lads break down a huge weekend of international rugby: England’s bench-powered surge past Fiji, Scotland’s heartbreak against the All Blacks, and the Springboks’ masterclass in Paris despite going down to 14 men. There’s plenty of chat about Fin Smith v George Ford, and Rassie proving why he's the smartest coach in rugby. The boys also reveal so...

Nov 11, 20251 hr 18 min

#8 England’s New Bomb Squad, Josh Adams on Welsh Revival, and Ireland Controversy in Chicago

This week on The Pod , Jim, Goodey, Bigs dive into a massive opening weekend of the Quilter Nations Series — red cards, redemptions, and peroxide-blond hair. England made it eight wins on the bounce with a dominant bench-inspired victory over Australia, with Borthwick building his own “Bomb Squad.” Ireland meanwhile, were left reeling after a controversial red card and second-half collapse against the All Blacks in Chicago, while Scotland and South Africa both flexed with huge wins over the USA ...

Nov 04, 20251 hr 20 min

#7 North vs South Showdown: England & Ireland’s Revenge Missions

It’s one of the best periods of the season and the lads are buzzing as the Autumn Nations Series North v South showdowns kick off, including England v Australia at Twickenham and Ireland gearing up to meet the All Blacks in Chicago. Goodey and Jim dig into Borthwick’s latest England squad tweaks, some epic Premiership clashes including Saints v Sarries and Leicester v Sale, plus unbeaten runs in the URC from Munster and the Stormers. There’s lots of other news and listener questions all before t...

Oct 28, 20251 hr 19 min

#6 Munster Masterclass , England Squad Shake-Up & Noah's 5 Star Sarries Show

Munster sent shockwaves through Irish rugby with a statement win over Leinster at Croke Park, dismantling their biggest rivals to go joint top of the URC. Is it a shift in power, or a Lions hangover? Goodey, Big Jim and Biggs get stuck into the fallout from that fiery clash, the form of Jack Crowley, and what it all means for Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad heading into the Autumn Nations Series. The lads also dig deep into Steve Borthwick’s England squad announcement, including omissions, combinat...

Oct 21, 20251 hr 20 min

#5 Derby Days, Flyhalf Battles for England & Ireland + Jack Willis Tears up in France

It was Derby Day in the Prem, and the lads are back to break it all down. Jim and Goodey chat through an epic weekend of rivalries with Saints edging Tigers in a thriller with lots of niggle, Quins toppling Sarries again, and Bath blitzing Gloucester. Marcus Smith is back firing, as is Fin Smith, and a few new faces making an impression. We also take a look at a big win for Ulster against the Bulls in the URC, and look forward to an Irish derby in Croke this weekend between Leinster and Munster....

Oct 14, 20251 hr 18 min

#4 Moody’s Battle, Diamond Falls, Autumn Nations Preview, Boks Roll & Dragons Rise

This week on The Rugby Pod, the lads send their thoughts and support following the very emotional news as England legend Lewis Moody reveals his MND diagnosis. Everyone on the Pod wishes him, and his family the very best during this very tough time, and we're here to support in any way we can. On the pitch, the lads react to the news that Steve Diamond sacked by the Newcastle Red Bulls, with Gregor Townsend joining in a surprise advisor role. We also break down the action from the Rugby Champion...

Oct 07, 20251 hr 21 min

#3 Back with a Bang - English Rugby's Masterplan, Leinster Nilled and Sacha is Boks Office

It’s a monster week of rugby with the Gallagher Prem back and already throwing up drama, the URC kicking off with some big surprises. In the Rugby Championship, South Africa ran riot with 67 points against Argentina as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu puts in a Dan Carter-esque performance. The Red Roses are world champions after seeing off Canada in front of a sold-out Allianz, and we’ve got special guest Rob Calder, Prem Rugby’s Chief Growth Officer, joining us to talk through the league’s bold new r...

Sep 30, 20251 hr 19 min

#2 BIG Season Preview – Prem & URC Signings, Zammit Returns to the Pod + Red Roses’ RWC Final

It’s a big un' ahead of the new season kicking off this weekend. Louis Rees-Zammit is back in rugby and straight onto the Pod after a wild 18 months in the US and an eventful debut for Bristol – scoring worldies, scrapping, and spending ten minutes in the bin. We’ve also got the Red Roses charging into another World Cup Final at a sold-out Twickenham this weekend, plus all the big Premiership and URC transfer chat with Farrell back at Sarries, Ikitau rocking up at Exeter, and Bath somehow stacki...

Sep 23, 20251 hr 25 min

#1 Red Bull Takeover, Saving Grassroots Rugby & Six Nations vs The Rugby Championship

We’re back for Season 10 – a decade of rugby chat and we’re kicking it off with a bang . Jim and Goodey’s apology has been accepted… Red Bull have officially landed in rugby union! Newcastle Falcons are no more – the Red Bulls have arrived – and we’ve got Director of Rugby Steve Diamond on the pod to take us inside one of the biggest moves the Premiership has ever seen. We’ve also been busy saving grassroots rugby – Think Ryan Reynolds, Welcome to Wrexham but with worse hairlines ... Join us at ...

Sep 16, 20251 hr 17 min

Episode 46 - The Ultimate Lions Review - Beanbags, Brawls and Who Should Coach the Next Lions Tour?

That’s a wrap on Season 9 and what a way to go out! The lads dive into a wet and chaotic third Lions Test where the Aussies finally clicked to deny the whitewash. Goodey and Jim get stuck into the big calls - did Schmidt outsmart Farrell? Was that 40-minute delay a turning point? And who’s next to coach the Lions? There’s chat on Big Willy Skelton, surprise packages, Player of the Tour, and the shambles around media access down in Aus. Plus, some big news about live shows in the USA, transfer ru...

Aug 05, 20251 hr 18 min

Episode 45 - Comeback of the Decade, Officiating Controversy & Lions Clean Sweep?

The Lions have done it ! Jim and Goodey are back to break down a barnstorming Second Test as the Lions boys clinch the series with a 29-26 win over the Wallabies in Melbourne. From a brutal Aussie first half to a roaring Lions comeback, this one had it all – yellow cards, controversial tries, Skelton-sized collisions, and a nerve-jangling finish. We’re chatting law-book madness, Spicy Aussie takes, certified test match animals and whether Carlo Tizzano deserves an Oscar. Learn more about your ad...

Jul 29, 20251 hr 10 min

Lions Test 2 Preview & Squad Reaction

Jim and Goodey are BACK for a special midweek episode, previewing the Lions second test on Saturday against the Wallabies in Melbourne and reacting to todays Squad announcement. The lads also dive into Tuesday's feisty clash with the First Nations & Pasifika XV - from Kinghorn’s costly interception to Darcy Graham’s heartbreaking injury. Jim relives Owen Farrell going full bodyguard mode for Darcy, Goodey wonders how Charlie Gamble and Salakaia-Loto aren't Wallabies, and both ask: are the Li...

Jul 24, 202550 min

Episode 44 - First Blood to Lions as Wallabies Flop - Russell Leads, Curry Seethes

This week on The Rugby Pod, the lads dive into a stormy weekend of rugby. They break down the Lions 27–19 bashing against a very average Wallabies team in Brisbane, questioning the Aussie preparation, selections, and desire. We also look at some big performances from Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry and whether Farrell might look to make some changes as they expect a big backlash in Melbourne. The lads react to the Lions' midweek team to face the First Nations & Pasifika XV, and speculate on squad...

Jul 22, 20251 hr 13 min

Lions Test Team SPECIAL & Match Preview with Jim and Jackman

It's on! The teams are announced and we are pumped. In this special midweek episode of The Rugby Pod, Jim is joined by pundit of the year Bernard Jackman to react to Andy Farrell’s first British & Irish Lions Test squad, from big selection calls in the back row to bold calls on the bench, the lads dissect the team. They break down the leadership calls, the impact of key injuries, and whether Farrell has played it safe or gone bold for the opener and what to expect from a massive first Test. ...

Jul 17, 202557 min

Episode 43 - Lions Test Week, Wales Snap the Streak & England Whitewash the Pumas

Join the lads as they discuss the final Lions warm up match against an underwhelming AU NZ invitational side and prep for the big one - the first Test in Brisbane. After 644 LONG days, Wales finally got a win against Eddie Jones' Japan and England's young guns do an impressive double down in Argentina. We also look at Rassies latest bit of... innovation, a double Ravo's arm for Ireland and what went wrong for Scotland in Suva so settle back, enjoy and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Lear...

Jul 15, 20251 hr 17 min

Lions Test XV Taking Shape - Post Match Reaction with Goodey & Bigs

We check in with Bigs from Canberra after another Lions Tour win against a tough Brumbies side. Goodey and Bigs give their take on the overall performance, some highlights and areas of concern, who stood out, an injury update, and how the match has potentially shaped the starting XV for the first test. Bigs also gives us the latest from his blossoming relationship on comms with Rog, and some behind-the-scenes chat from Lions camp, including who the coaches have been most impressed with and now l...

Jul 10, 202533 min

Episode 42 - Farrell's Call-Up: Lions Masterstroke or Mistake? + England Young Guns Shine in Argentina

A hell of a week of ruggers, with double Lions games, international games, and one headline-stealing call-up. The lads dive into Owen Farrell’s controversial selection, nepotism or necessity? The Lions’ campaign stumbles slightly after an impressive win over the Reds and a tougher outing against the Waratahs. We assess who’s rising - Maro, Jac Morgan, Huw Jones, and who’s wobbling - Duhan, Beirne, Smith. Plus, England impress in Argentina, Ireland’s kids hammer Georgia, Scotland beat the Maori A...

Jul 08, 20251 hr 12 min

George North: From Teen Prodigy to Lions Legend

In this week’s Lions interview, Dan Biggar sits down with Welsh rugby legend George North to look back on an iconic career that started with a bang, scoring twice on debut against the Springboks and at just 18. The lads relive his explosive arrival on the international stage, through to some iconic Lions moments, including that carry with Folau on his back and pointing at Will Genia while scoring one of the all time great Lions tries. George opens up on his evolution from winger to centre, and t...

Jul 03, 202557 min

Episode 41 - Farrell’s Game Plan Takes Shape & Lions Demolition in Perth

The Lions are officially rolling in Australia, and this week we’re breaking down the 54-7 demolition of the Western Force. Composed, clinical finishing, and Andy Farrell’s emerging game plan are all on show now. The lads chat about the Lions identity. We also take a look at the Lions Stock Market, who’s on the up, who’s wobbling, and who’s got everything to prove. Plus, Scotland head coach – and Lions legend – Gregor Townsend dials in from New Zealand for a chat on the 2025 tour, Scotland’s summ...

Jul 01, 20251 hr 18 min

Conor Murray: Lions Legend, Ireland & Munster Great

With the Lions Tour now in full swing, Dan Biggar sits down with Irish legend Conor Murray to reflect on a remarkable career spanning 125 Ireland caps, 8 Lions Test appearances, and over 200 games for Munster. From his iconic Lions moments, to rooming with Mike Phillips, to Ireland’s golden era, and Munster triumphs, Conor opens up on it all, including insights on playing with some of the very best like Sexton, Russell and O'Gara. A must-listen with one of the greats. Learn more about your ad ch...

Jun 26, 202558 min

Episode 40 - Lions Land in Dublin: Argentina Spoil the Party, Selection Questions, & Faz Fallout

Dublin was a sea of red and the lads are back dissecting the start to the 2025 Lions Tour as Argentina shock the tourists in Dublin, the Lions’ first tour-opening loss since 1971. Jim, Goodey and special guest Bernard Jackman break down where it went wrong despite dominant stats, from lineout woes and tippy-tappy rugby to Farrell’s punchy post-match comments. There’s chat on subs, back-row balance issues, and whether we’ll see Old Testament Faz emerge this week. Plus, big praise for Argentina, c...

Jun 23, 20251 hr 12 min

Rugby Pod End of Season Awards - Biggest Alpha, Best Hemisphere & Player of the Year -

Strap in for a very special extra episode as we dish out the silverware in our 24/25 Rugby Pod Awards Show. Jim, Goodey and Producer Rob enter into a mass debate as we hand out honours for: Breakthrough Player of the Year Coach of the Year Alpha of the Year (testosterone levels were checked ) Top Lad (the good bloke award, basically) North vs South: who ruled world rugby this year? 🌍 and loads more, so settle back. Enjoy and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choic...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 3 min

Episode 39 - Finals Glory: 29 Years Later for Emotional Bath, Leinster Crush Bulls & Lions Summer Camp

It was Finals weekend with Bath ending a 29-year wait to lift the Premiership title and complete the treble, while Leinster blow the Bulls away to finally get their hands on the URC trophy. Jim, Goodey and Biggs break it all down, from electric guitars, Finn v Pollard, to yellow card drama and Leinster getting the monkey off their back we're chatting through it all. With Lions camp kicking off, the lads also look at what key combos Farrell might test. Plus, Farrell returns to Sarries, the Prem g...

Jun 17, 20251 hr 21 min

Episode 38 - Semi-Final Showstoppers Deliver but can a Global Franchise League?

This week on the Pod, Jim and Goodey unpack a blockbuster weekend of semi-final action across the Prem and URC. Leicester edge Sale in a tense encounter, sealed by a wonder try, while Bath blow past Bristol with a second-half blitz led by the Bath Bomb Squad. Leinster break their knockout curse to book a URC final spot against the Bulls and their monster front row. Plus, we break down a proposed new global franchise league: is it the future of rugby or just another failed experiment waiting to h...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 19 min

Episode 37 - Heroes & Villains - Penalty Shootouts and Semi-Final Line-Ups

This week on The Rugby Pod, we're diving into a chaotic weekend of URC quarter-finals as the Sharks knock Munster out via a controversial shootout in Durban, and Glasgow smash through the Stormers to set up a semi in Dublin. We debate the gamesmanship antics from Jaden Hendrikse that had players and fans riled, and whether rugby is edging into football territory. We also look ahead to the URC semis, discuss whether Leinster are vulnerable, and preview a massive South African derby. In the Prem, ...

Jun 03, 20251 hr 12 min

Episode 36 - Cardiff Finale & Fallout - Lucu Masterclass & What Happened After the Final Whistle

It was the European finale in Cardiff and Jim, Goodey and Bigs unpack an epic weekend of Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. We dive into UBB’s first-ever title and whether Saints were undone by early injuries, French power, or just Lucu & Jalibert magic. There's post-match beef, Alex Coles stepping up, and debate on what this means for some Lions hopefuls. Plus, Bath look ruthless in dismantling Lyon to claim silverware, with some controversy along the way. We preview the URC quarter-fi...

May 27, 20251 hr 12 min

Episode 35 - Saints and Sinners - Champions Cup Final, URC Playoffs & Union Drama

It’s crunch time across the board, we're back to break it all down. Goodey and Jim look ahead to a massive Champions Cup Final, dissect the thrilling race for the URC playoffs, and react to a Saracens second-half collapse in the Prem and what it means for the playoffs. We look at what Red Bull’s potential takeover of Newcastle could mean, and reflect on some massive changes in Ireland and Wales with Sevens scrapped and regions under threat. Plus, predictions, and plenty to cover in ootttthhheer ...

May 20, 20251 hr 17 min

Episode 34 - Lions Squad Debrief and Fin Smith Joins the Pod

The dust has settled after Andy Farrell's Lions squad announcement, so Big Jim and Goodey are back to pick it apart - surprises, snubs, captaincy chat and a look at what it says about how the tour will be played. England, Northampton Saint, and now British & Irish Lion Fin Smith joins us fresh from his Lions call-up to chat about a whirlwind year, the Saints' run to the Champions Cup Final, and who he’s most buzzing to link up with this summer. Plus, all the usual Rugby Pod craic, so make su...

May 13, 20251 hr 11 min

Episode 33 - Saints Slay Leinster in Epic & Lions Implications

This week’s episode is packed after a seismic weekend in the Champions Cup. Jim’s got some apologies to make as Northampton Saints pulled off the unthinkable in Dublin, knocking out Leinster in their own backyard. We have Bigs on to break down exactly how his former club did it, where Leinster got it wrong, and what it means for the upcoming Lions squad announcement. Plus, we’ve got all the fallout from Jordie Barrett’s bench role, Caelan Doris injury whispers, Fin Smith and Polock’s meteoric ri...

May 07, 20251 hr 16 min

Episode 32 - Welsh Giant-Killings, Prem Shake-Up, Champions Cup Semis & Matt Sherratt Joins the Pod

The business end of the season is heating up with Leicester peaking at the right time, Sale’s masterclass over Jim’s Sarries, and Gloucester hammering Exeter. The lads cover all this plus a bit of giant-killing down in Wales with Cardiff and Scarlets getting one over their Irish brethren. We’re also joined by Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt to get his thoughts. Plus, new Prem TV deals, academy dramas, new idea from Rassie Erasmus, and plenty more other news. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you're s...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 18 min
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